Description
A deeply rich and decadent chocolate layer cake made with Dutch cocoa, melted chocolate, and layered with fudge frosting and silky ganache. Perfect for celebrations—or any time a serious chocolate craving strikes.
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee or espresso
¾ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
¾ cup dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
¼ cup heavy cream
¾ cup heavy cream
¾ cup dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs, sour cream, oil, and vanilla. Gradually whisk in hot coffee.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until smooth. Fold in melted chocolate.
5. Divide batter evenly among pans. Bake 28–32 minutes or until toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to wire racks.
6. For the frosting, beat butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in melted chocolate and cream until smooth.
7. Stack cooled cakes with frosting between layers. Cover top and sides.
8. For ganache, heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate, stir until smooth. Cool slightly, then pour over cake.
Notes
Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring for a smoother, glossy finish.
Use high-quality cocoa and real chocolate for the deepest flavor.
To make ahead, bake cake layers a day early and assemble before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 46g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg